Senior Real Estate/Commercial Appraiser

Appraisal Specialist

Demonstrates independent judgement, and an advanced knowledge of appraisal techniques and mass appraisal methodology necessary to evaluate and conclude value on unique and difficult property for assessment purposes. Works under general supervision, independently demonstrating high integrity and provides leadership to junior team members. Assists citizens with property appraisal and tax matters, as related work as apparent or assigned.

Examples of Duties:

• Perform the more complex appraisals of land and improvements to use as a basis for tax assessment; appraise and reappraise residential/and or commercial property; and provide assistance to lower level appraisers.
• Conduct on-site inspection of residential and/or commercial properties to include measuring all new improvements and additions utilizing a tape measure or laser device and enters the data into the ProVal CAMA software, using independent judgement to classify and grade real property to establish an estimate of market value.
• Reads and interprets a variety of maps, plans, drawings, and aerial photographs to collect and verify property data, improvements, boundaries, conditions, etc. to be utilized as a basis for evaluation and comparison to other properties.
• Evaluate taxable commercial property, non-taxable real property and new commercial construction for use as a basis for tax assessments.
• Produce and provide skilled analysis in negotiations with citizens and tax representatives on valuation determinations during appeals and Board of Equalization hearings.
• Analyze real estate market trends and advise management for impact on assessment valuations. Analyzes changes in land use, zoning and building regulations.
• Manage workload with minimal supervision to ensure accurate results are completed by mandated department deadlines.
• Make decisions affecting self, co-workers, and others who depend on the results of analysis and serve as a resource to other departments on questions regarding real estate assessments and valuation theory in the City of Hopewell.
• Perform other job duties requiring skills, knowledge and physical requirements as demanded by those duties described or less. Individual assignments will be determined by the supervisor based on the current workloads and department needs.
• Uses market, cost and income approaches to value. Value land, improvements and structural additions, alterations, demolitions, changes and damages to real property.
• Thoroughly follow the instructions of superiors regarding appraisal assignments and general office policies and procedures.
• Compiles data for ratio studies, verify sales, prepares reports and analyze data used in mass appraisal process for the general reassessment.
• Verify/key transfers of property ownership and processes splits/combination of land. Provides information and answers questions from property owners, and the general public regarding the appraisal process, property assessments, and other appraisal related issues.

Typical Qualifications:

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Requires any combination of education (above high school level) and/or experience equivalent to four (4) to six (6) years in fields utilizing the required knowledge, skills and abilities, and associated with such positions as real estate appraisers.
• Any combination of experience, training, knowledge, skills and abilities and associated with such as real estate appraisers, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Three (3) courses offered by the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO), the Appraisal Institute or other appraisal organization sponsors of the Appraisal Foundation, or possess a valid Real Estate Appraiser License issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Professional Changing Careers: Applicants with four (4) to six (6) years of experience with backgrounds in Finance, Accounting, Commercial Real Estate, Architecture and/or Building Sciences/Construction Management will be considered.

Licenses and Preferred Experience:

• A minimum of (6) six years of real estate mass appraising experience.
• IAAO CAE or AAS designation or coursework preferred.
• Virginia Real Estate Appraiser license. Please note: While employed with the City, you will not be allowed to conduct real estate appraisals within the city limits. Additionally, if you possess a real estate sales license, it must be placed in an "inactive" or "referral status" only.
• Professional development is strongly encouraged. License fees and all continuing education required for a State appraisal license or IAAO designation will be paid by the City.
• Valid driver's license in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of advanced real estate appraising methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of building construction practices.
• Knowledge of the economics related to building and land values.
• Knowledge of basic Economics and Finance.
• Knowledge of mathematical statistics.
• Knowledge of computer operation and city standard software and property appraisal applications.
• Working knowledge of ProVal or other CAMA systems desired.

Skills:

• Skill in appraising real property.
• Skill in making mechanical drawings.
• Skill in making digital sketches using computer software.
• Skill in making mathematical calculations relating to building construction and real estate appraising.
• Skill in microcomputer operation and utilization of city standard spreadsheet, word processing, and appraisal software applications.
• Skill in accurate measurement, collection and data entry of land and real estate improvements.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Strong communication (oral and written) and customer service skills.

Abilities:

• Ability to read, understand, and effectively utilize building construction plans and specifications, blueprints, deeds, income statements, planimetric, survey, zoning, topographical maps, and building cost manuals.
• Ability to instruct and train lower level appraisers.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, other city departments, contractors, property owners, and other parties which provide necessary information used in assessing real estate.
• Ability to appraise special purpose properties.
• Ability to defend appraisals to the Courts and to the Board of Equalization.
• Ability to maneuver over rough or uneven terrain to gather appraisal data.
• Ability to perform data entry or maintain handwritten or electronic records.
• Ability to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions with minimal guidance from others. Ability to effectively communicate with other city employees, customers, and the general public both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain an appropriate work pace, focus on routine and complex tasks without distraction or compromising accuracy, and complete tasks within expected time frame.
• Ability to perform a variety of tasks that may vary from day to day.
• Ability to perform tasks that require obtaining cooperation from co-workers or citizens to accomplish assigned tasks.
• Ability to work independently and apply abstract principles to solve complex conceptual issues.
• Ability to interpret, remember and apply complex procedures, policies and laws as they relate to work tasks.
• Ability to adjust routine procedures to accommodate challenges or improve processes.
• Ability to operate the ProVal CAMA software system efficiently.
• Ability to operate a computer and use city standard software applications.

Supplemental Information:

Work Environment:

• Work is primarily performed indoors with field inspections subject to outdoor temperature changes.

Essential Physical Activities:

• Stooping, crouching, walking, lifting, grasping, hearing, seeing up close, seeing far away, kneeling, reaching, talking, standing, finger movement, depth perception.

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.